Chief Operating Officer

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt Reports to: President & Park Director The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the President. The COO provides strategic leadership and is responsible for the direct oversight of the organization’s core internal functions, primarily its financial and operational departments. This role ensures the fiscal integrity, operational excellence, safety, and sustainability of the park. The COO will lead long-range financial planning, direct all park operations through the Operations Director, and manage human resources, ensuring that organizational goals are met efficiently and effectively. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Strategic & Financial Leadership Lead the annual budgeting and long-range financial planning process, aligning financial resources with the organization's strategic priorities. Oversee all financial reporting, including the preparation of timely and accurate monthly and year-end reports for the President, Finance Committee, and Board. Ensure robust internal controls, fiscal policies, and procedures are in place to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements. Direct all human resources functions, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and benefits administration. Oversee the annual financial audit and the preparation of the Form 990, serving as the primary liaison to external auditors. Directly supervise the Finance Associate to manage day-to-day accounting functions, including payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and reconciliations. Operational Oversight Provide strategic direction and oversight to the Operations Director to ensure the park is safe, clean, and operationally excellent. Oversee all aspects of park operations, including maintenance of facilities and grounds , security services , landscaping and horticulture , and infrastructure management. Guide the development and implementation of proactive and risk management protocols to ensure the safety of all park users and staff. Oversee the park’s operational budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and cost-saving opportunities are identified. Lead efforts to integrate sustainability and green initiatives across all park operations, from waste reduction to energy-efficient maintenance practices. Oversee major vendor and contract management for park services, ensuring vendors deliver high-quality, cost-effective services that meet all requirements. Executive Leadership & Administration Serve as a key strategic advisor to the President on all financial and operational matters. Act as primary liaison to the Board’s Finance & Audit Committee, preparing reports and presenting financial information. Act as primary liaison to the Operations Committee Meeting, preparing reports and information about the status of the park. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including city officials, vendors, contractors, and community partners. Foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performance work environment across all departments. Work closely with other departments, such as Programming and Development, to ensure seamless coordination and support for special events and initiatives. Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities): Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Park Management, or a related field is required. An MBA or CPA is strongly preferred. Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, with a proven track record in both senior financial management and operational oversight. Experience in a non-profit or public space management setting is highly desirable. Expert knowledge of non-profit financial management, budgeting, and compliance. Strong working knowledge of park or facility operations, including maintenance, landscaping, security, and infrastructure management. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, vendor management, and complex contract negotiations. Exceptional leadership, organizational, and team management skills with a history of empowering staff. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to engage effectively with all stakeholders. Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties as assigned. Benefits: Benefits include medical, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability paid by Discovery Green Conservancy. Employees can participate in our 401k retirement plan. #J-18808-Ljbffr